Eggs are essential for human consumption due to their proteins and nutrients. Wondering, can hamsters eat eggs? Is a normal thing. Mostly when you serve some eggs for breakfast, and your little hamster cannot keep still. After some research, the answer to your question is, yes, hamsters can eat eggs; however, some precautions have been taken into consideration. Please continue reading to know more about the health benefits of eggs to your hamster and the correct precautions to take when it comes to introducing an egg diet to your hamster’s meals.
Egg health Benefits For Your Hamster
Vitamin A
Vitamin A in eggs is essential for your hamster since it helps maintain your pet’s eyesight.
Vitamin D
It keeps the immune system of your hamster healthy and ready to fight any bacteria or infections that might attack your pet.
Proteins
Proteins are essential in repairing and rebuilding body tissues, which is good for extending the life span of your hamster by repairing any wound or damage to its skin.
Vitamin B
This vitamin takes care of your hamster’s skin by making its fur smooth and very shiny.
Eggs Contain Anti-oxidants
The antioxidants play the role of protecting your hamster’s body cells from radicals that may cause health complications.
Iron
This mineral helps in the growth and development of hamsters. They also help in the oxygen circulation from the lungs to the rest of the body.
Calcium
Calcium in eggs helps grow strong bones and teeth for your little hamster. Hence keeping the hamster strong and jumpy.
Do You Know?
Hamsters can eat a variety of foods, we have researched lots of them. Check out this One: Can Hamsters Eat Peanut Butter?
How to Feed Eggs to Hamsters
The appropriate eggs to serve your hamsters are organic farm eggs, and they should either be boiled or scrambled. Fried eggs are not advisable since they contribute to the causes of health problems such as bloating, diarrhea, and obesity.
The eggs can also be mixed with some vegetables that are good for hamsters, however, do not overfeed them.
Introduce the eggs in bits and ensure to keep an eye on the hamster for any complications. When serving the eggs, ensure they are completely cool. If the hamster is okay after a while and no complications are observed, then you are good to go. However, always give your hamster eggs as a treat; making it a regular diet also has its disadvantages.
Avoid feeding your hamster raw eggs, which contain bacteria such as Salmonella. Salmonella may be hard to notice at first; however, signs and symptoms may include diarrhea, vomit, and fatigue. Treating this infection in a pet is not easy.
When feeding your hamster with eggs, avoid feeding them with eggshells. The eggshells contain excess calcium. Which is harmful to your pet and can lead to deadly diseases like bladder stones, sludgy urines, and kidney-related infections. Eggshells also have sharp edges that will cause damage to your hamster’s mouth, throat, and inner stomach lining. The shells are also too tough to be digested by the animal’s digestive system.
Disadvantages of Excess Eggs For Your Hamster
Eggs are only perfect for a hamster’s health if they are served moderately; excess eggs have the following effect on the little animal.
Stomach Upset and Diarrhea
This is the main reason eggs should be introduced in tiny portions, and frequent checkups should be done to observe how the little pet is handling a new diet. The tiny digestive system of hamsters may not handle large portions of eggs hence leading to stomach upset and diarrhea.
Obesity
Overfeeding hamsters with eggs will lead to unusual gaining of weight. This is because of the proteins and fats found in eggs. Excessive consumption of fats leads to obesity, which leads to chronic illnesses that may result in heart problems.
Bladder Stones
This health problem is caused by a hamster eating excess calcium packed in eggs. Excess calcium causes urinary infections leading to bladder stones.
Are Eggs Safe For Hamsters?
In conclusion, hamsters can eat eggs. However, proper care and caution should be taken to avoid some health problems. The next time you hear someone ask: “Can hamsters eat eggs?” Be sure to share this knowledge with them or rather share this article.